Luna
A surname that can mean “of the moon” in Romance languages, and is also tied to Spanish place and noble names.
The #298 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 2,954 Americans shares it.
Etymology
In Romance-language surname tradition, Luna is commonly linked to Latin luna, meaning “moon.” In Italian records, it can appear as a byname meaning “of the Moon.” In Spanish usage, it is also strongly associated with the place name Luna in Aragón, so the surname may be locational in many families rather than purely descriptive.
History
The name is well attested in Spain, where it was borne by noble families and, in some lines, traced to the aragonese house of Luna. The best-known medieval bearer is Álvaro de Luna, a powerful Castilian nobleman and favorite of King John II. The surname also spread widely in the Hispanic world and is now common in the Americas.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Because luna means “moon” in both Spanish and Italian, the surname has a built-in poetic quality that makes it especially easy to remember.
From the historical record
“LUGTHART (tU.), Light heart. Gay. (v. de Bly.) LUNA, della (Jt.), of the Moon. Lupo, di, of Wolf. LUTHER (®.), Renowned chief, or Famous in the army. Hlut, famous, renowned, (v. Heringa.) <i7YCKLAMA a Nyeholt, van {SnQ.), of Lyckle's at New forest. 47 LYLE and Lyell (01. N.), The isle.”
— Surnames